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About I was a Sari
In a world dominated by fast fashion, Mahima Gujral, a former fashion student turned entrepreneur, decided to take a different path. She founded SUI, an emerging ethical fashion label that celebrates nature while prioritizing sustainability, fair labor practices, and eco-friendly materials. In this blog, we'll delve into the inspiring journey of Mahima Gujral and the ethos behind SUI.
Mahima's journey into the world of ethical fashion began with a stark realization of the fashion industry's negative impact. While working in PR and marketing for a luxury brand, she began to feel disconnected from the products she was promoting. In 2017, her perspective underwent a profound transformation after learning about the environmental and social issues associated with fashion. Inspired by the Fashion Revolution movement and driven by a desire to make a positive change, Mahima decided to create SUI, a brand rooted in sustainability and consciousness.
At SUI, the mantra is clear: lead with a 'green heart.' This philosophy embodies the brand's commitment to respecting the planet and its people. SUI's core principles revolve around creating ethical, wearable, and chic clothing using earth-friendly fabrics and dyes. Mahima's family already upheld strong values concerning their workers, providing a solid foundation for SUI's ethical production.
SUI takes a hands-on approach to ethical production by managing an in-house team of skilled tailors known as "threadspellers." These artisans are the heart of SUI, crafting each design in a safe environment and receiving fair wages, along with standard benefits such as paid leave and medical insurance. Regular visits by the assistant designer and close collaboration with the parent company, Sue Mue, ensure transparency and accountability in production.
Beyond production, SUI measures sustainability by:
1. Crafting Slow:Unlike fast fashion, SUI prioritizes quality over quantity, avoiding rushed production.
2. Made to Order: The brand often creates designs on a made-to-order basis, reducing inventory waste.
3. Herbal Dyes: SUI uses herbal dyes for solid colors, a chemical-free and skin-safe process.
4. Supporting Handcraft: Handmade processes like embroidery and block printing limit electricity use and carbon emissions while preserving local craft heritage.
5. Zero Fabric Wastage: SUI upcycles fabric scraps and deadstock materials into accessories, minimizing waste.
6. Minimal Plastic Use: The brand promotes reusability and uses bio-plastic for packaging, recycled paper for tags, and recycled cloth bags.
Mahima acknowledges the efforts of fast-fashion brands in promoting sustainability but highlights potential downsides. She cautions that large minimum order quantities (MOQs) and cheaper prices can sometimes undermine the true value of ethical practices. Customers and brands alike should be aware of the higher costs associated with running a sustainable fashion label and understand a company's true intentions.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for SUI, leading to temporary closures and disruptions. However, Mahima and her team adapted by focusing on community engagement and support, spreading awareness about their artisans and partnering with causes like Women Weave to provide relief.
SUI looks forward to the evolving sustainable fashion landscape and exciting innovations, including materials made from sea waste, diverse natural dyes, transparency-tracking technology, and AI-driven tools for smarter fashion choices.
Mahima's journey with SUI has taught her valuable lessons, including the importance of making sustainability engaging, listening to customer feedback, supporting local businesses, and being adaptable and growth-oriented.
SUI stands as a testament to the power of conscious fashion and the impact one dedicated individual can make in transforming an industry. Mahima Gujral's journey from a fashion enthusiast to the founder of a sustainable fashion label showcases the potential for positive change in the world of fashion. SUI's commitment to leading with a 'green heart' serves as an inspiration for both consumers and brands seeking a more ethical and sustainable path in fashion. write a story about SUI company from above data
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